How to Insure Goods Moved by Movers

Protect your goods in transit. When getting insurance through your moving company, make sure you ask questions about what kind of insurance you are paying for and understand how it does or does not cover your goods.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Insurance
• Moving Companies
• Notebooks
• Camcorders
• Cameras
• Cameras
• Notebooks

1. Ask, at the outset, about the difference between "valuation" (liability coverage) and regular insurance, as well as cash value coverage (what that used TV is worth today) versus full replacement coverage (what it will cost to replace that TV).

2. Inquire how much - if any - insurance is included in the company's estimate.

3. Have antiques and other high-value items appraised before the move. Obtaining an appraisal may also be necessary for the transferral of your homeowners' insurance policy to verify the value of your personal property.

4. Take photographs of your antiques and other valuables.

5. Use a video camera to inventory the contents of each room.

6. Get everything in writing before the move.

7. Sign a 'conditioned inventory,' a list of all the items you are moving and the exact condition of each item, if you are moving a long distance. You will sign this again at your destination. Check the inventory carefully before signing. Anything missing or damaged should be noted on the inventory.

8. Contact the mover to file a claim if there are damaged or missing items at your destination. The law allows you up to nine months after delivery to file a claim against your mover; it is best, however, to file as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• The minimum coverage amount is usually 30 to 60 cents per pound per article. So if you have an item that weighs 100 pounds and you have 30 cents per pound per article coverage, the movers' liability for that item is no more than $30.
• On local moves, you can ask for an inventory, but if you are paying by the hour, figure inventory time into your costs.
• In the absence of an inventory, you can still document anything damaged or missing on the bill of lading. Review this with the driver and have him sign any notations you make regarding damaged or missing items.
• If you pack boxes yourself and there is damage when you reach your destination, the damaged goods will not be covered unless there is evident exterior damage to the outside of the box. You will be covered if the movers packed it, whether there is exterior damage or not.